A slide that shows no signs of slowing continued Sunday as the New York Yankees fell 6-1 to the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, dropping a series to Minnesota for just the second time in their last 14 completed meetings. The loss left the Yankees at 49-40 after losing nine of their last 10 games and 13 of their last 17.
Minnesota right-hander Joe Ryan dominated for seven scoreless innings, becoming the first Twins pitcher to throw at least seven shutout innings at the current Yankee Stadium and the first to accomplish the feat at any Yankee Stadium since Johan Santana in 2005.
The Yankees managed just five hits and continued an offensive drought that has defined their recent skid, averaging fewer than three runs per game over their last 17 contests.
Ryan Weathers struggled in his second straight outing, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks while failing to record an out in the fifth inning. Defensive lapses only added to the frustration as Anthony Volpe’s sixth-inning error helped lead to two unearned runs, while Trent Grisham’s misplay on a fifth-inning fly ball allowed both Minnesota runners to advance. Jazz Chisholm Jr. also committed a costly baserunning mistake when he was picked off after reaching on a single before later exiting with a big toe injury.
New York’s bullpen couldn’t stop the damage either. Paul Blackburn surrendered additional runs before Camilo Doval allowed two more unearned runs while continuing a rough stretch in which he has yielded 10 runs over his last three appearances.
The Yankees will look to turn the page Monday when they open a four-game series against the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.